The Practice: +44 (0)1638 782000 | The Hospital: +44 (0)1638 782020
Lameness & Poor Performance
If your horse is not performing as well as expected, it can be worrying and frustrating. In some cases the cause is clear, such as lameness, but in other cases, poor performance can have multiple potential causes. Our experienced clinicians follow a step-by-step process to identify the underlying problem. This includes a thorough clinical examination and advanced diagnostic imaging where necessary. We are experienced in assessing horses from all disciplines, from racehorses, eventers, dressage and showjumpers to leisure horses and ponies. Each investigation is tailored to your horse and the level to which you expect to perform.
We carry out detailed and methodical lameness assessments. This begins with discussing your horse’s history and watching the horse move in hand and may include a ridden assessment if indicated. We then use diagnostic nerve blocks and regional anaesthesia to help locate the source of pain, followed by targeted imaging to confirm a specific diagnosis.
Digital radiography and ultrasonography are all available on site. This means we can complete a complete and thorough investigation without moving your horse between different facilities. Investigating other causes of loss in performance including neck and/or back pain, stomach ulcers, muscle and metabolic disorders and breathing problems (including upper and lower airway conditions) can also be addressed, in horses where lameness is not the main (or not the only) factor.
Our consultant farrier is an important member of our clinic team and provides expert foot care, from routine and remedial farriery to support for more complex orthopaedic conditions. Close co-operation between vets and farriers is key to managing many lameness cases, particularly in the longer term, and having a specialist farrier available on site allows our vets to plan and implement remedial shoeing as part of a co-ordinated treatment plan.
Upper airway conditions are a common and often underestimated cause of poor performance. We offer comprehensive respiratory assessment using both overground endoscopy — which captures airway function during ridden exercise — and treadmill endoscopy to evaluate dynamic airway conditions under controlled conditions. The results allow our clinicians to identify the specific nature of the obstruction and recommend the most appropriate course of action, whether surgical or conservative.
A safe return to work after an injury takes time, careful planning and close veterinary supervision. As such rehabilitation programmes need to be tailored to the needs of each horse. Our specialists work together to meet the specific needs of each case and to support owners and trainers throughout recovery, including controlled exercise plans, regular monitoring and advice on managing the transition to full exercise.
Have an emergency?
If your horse needs urgent veterinary attention, our team is ready to help around the clock. Call 01638 782020 for the hospital and 01638 782000 for the practice.